Thiruvananthapuram: Citing a severe shortage of surgical equipment at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College, a senior doctor has said he is considering resigning from his post, expressing deep anguish over his inability to provide timely treatment to poor patients.

In a post shared on Facebook, Dr Haris Chirakkal, Head of the Urology Department, alleged that critical surgeries are being repeatedly postponed due to the unavailability of essential tools, leaving doctors helpless and patients in distress. He also levelled serious allegations against the authorities for failing to address the crisis.

“A department head in a government medical college with no power to purchase even a single piece of equipment is a symbol of ultimate helplessness,” he wrote.

“Today, we had to postpone multiple operations. Hundreds of patients who cannot afford private hospitals come here for treatment,” he added.

Dr Haris also highlighted the bureaucratic hurdles that stall urgent procurement requests and the lack of administrative will to address the issue. He noted that even requests submitted months ago remain unanswered.

"The surgery that had to be cancelled today was for a college student, someone the same age as my son. It fills me with shame and disappointment to tell him that the operation couldn’t happen. And he is just one among many," he recalled.

Describing the patients who rely on the hospital, Dr Haris painted a grim picture: many come after mortgaging assets, taking loans, or selling possessions, often with no family support and in immense pain. “We doctors are ready to work day and night, but we are blocked by an immovable wall of bureaucracy,” he said.

He stressed that many surgeries are only possible because patients themselves raise funds to buy equipment. Dr Haris also responded to potential criticism, urging the public not to blame doctors when surgeries are delayed.

"The life of a government doctor who does not take bribes or bow to anyone’s influence is far from easy, both personally and professionally. I have never accepted even a single rupee as a bribe in my entire career, and I say this with complete certainty before the public. I have never taken a commission from any scanning centre or private lab. If this is untrue, anyone is free to challenge it publicly...From Kannur Medical College to various institutions across Kerala, I have worked in almost every government medical college. I have never pleaded or lobbied with anyone for a transfer," he said.

“I’ve worked across Kerala in government hospitals since 1997. I never sought favours for transfers. I lived alone, cooked for myself, and endured difficult conditions. I studied from primary school to super-speciality using public resources, this is my way of giving back.”

Despite working over 360 days in the previous year, he said the lack of support is pushing him to the brink.

"While working at Thrissur Medical College, I used to catch the 3 AM bus from Eranad and the 4 AM bus from Kottayam on Mondays, squeezing into crowded buses just to make it on time for OP. I knew patients would be waiting for me, so I ensured not a single OP day or surgery was ever missed because of me. I have always worked tirelessly to ensure no patient suffered due to my absence. After my mother passed away, I faced severe financial hardship and had to work abroad for a short period. Even at the age of 56, I worked 360 days last year at the hospital. Today, I feel completely helpless, without any support. I may be forced to step away, or be removed, from my official duties."

He ended his post on a note of despair, saying he is exhausted after trying repeatedly to improve his department.

"I draw a salary of over ₹3.5 lakh a month from public funds. If I’m unable to serve the public accordingly, perhaps it’s better I step aside. I’m exhausted from running around trying to improve the department. I cannot fight the bureaucracy anymore. Let them dismiss me," he added.